in the new 2026 jeep meridian the middle row can be adjusted forward or backward and 3rd row can be reclined enough. this makes it quite usable as a long trip 7 seater now which is an improvement over older model

Jeep Meridian Expert Reviews

Autocar score

We like

4X4 capability
Outstanding ride and handling

We don't like

No petrol option
Cramped third row

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Jeep Meridian Images

Driver Height Adjustable Seat Image - 5543

Color Techno Metallic Green Image - 3261

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Questions you may find useful

B M SAHU

•6d

I have a T-Roc manufactured in 2020, which I purchased in January 2021. I primarily do long highway trips, with almost no city driving. The T-Roc has been solid for the last five years, but during very long 8 to 10-hour drives, it does not feel very comfortable because of the seating position, and my legs start to hurt a bit. My height is 6 feet. Which SUV would be best for long drives with great driving dynamics? What about the Jeep Compass? Should I make the change? Are there any chances that Jeep will launch a new Compass in India? And what about Jeep’s quality issues in India?

Autocar India

•5d

Given your usage, we would not change the T-Roc unless the seating comfort issue is genuinely becoming a deal breaker, because the T-Roc is still a very solid long-distance machine with excellent driving manners. However, at 6 feet tall, if the seating position is causing leg fatigue after 8 to 10-hour drives, that is a legitimate reason to upgrade, and in that case, you need something with a more relaxed seating position, better thigh support and a roomier cabin.The Jeep Compass is a strong candidate if driving dynamics matter. It still has one of the best ride and handling balances in this segment. It feels planted at highway speeds and genuinely tackles poor roads brilliantly. It also offers a more upright SUV seating position than the T-Roc, which could suit you better for long hours. Build quality and overall solidity are still strong points.On the new Compass, there are no immediate plans for an all-new generation in India. Jeep is expected to keep the current line-up fresh with special editions and updates, with a genuinely new product likely only around 2027. So, waiting specifically for a brand new India-bound Compass does not make much sense right now.If your brief is purely long-distance comfort plus great driving dynamics, we would actually look beyond the Compass as well. The Skoda Kodiaq or the Volkswagen Tayron, as they feel like a more natural upgrade from a T-Roc, with much better long-distance comfort, stronger ergonomics for taller drivers and excellent highway manners.If you want something more SUV like, the Jeep Meridian deserves a closer look than the Compass because it offers similar Jeep dynamics along with more space and a more relaxed long-distance experience.

S Balasubramaniam

Hello Autocar team, I have been following you for close to a decade. Your reviews are comprehensive and unbiased as well. I have one question: What is the future of Jeep products like the Compass, considering there have been no major upgrades, updates, or new models? Is it worth buying one, as I am not sure how long the brand can sustain itself in the Indian market? Looking forward to your response.

Autocar India

•5d

Your concern is completely understandable, because when you buy into a brand, you are also buying into its long-term ecosystem, not just the car itself. The Jeep Compass and Meridian are still genuinely competent products with strong build quality, excellent ride and handling, and a premium feel that many rivals still do not quite match. So from a pure product perspective, there is still a lot to like.At the same time, product momentum has clearly slowed, and the lack of major new launches naturally raises questions. The good news is that Jeep is not exiting India, and there are future plans in place, but the next big all new product is still a year away. The brand may be in a quieter phase, but there is no sign of an abrupt India exit. In fact, Jeep has already outlined its future plans for the Indian market.The bigger practical considerations are ownership confidence and resale. Jeep’s aftersales experience can be very good in some cities and less convincing in others, and resale values are not as strong as more mainstream premium rivals like Toyota. That said, if you are someone who buys a car to keep for several years rather than worrying about frequent upgrades, that becomes less of an issue.

Jeep Compass

Jeep Meridian

Anmol

•1w

I drive mainly in the city on a weekly basis. On weekends, my driving exceeds 500 km. I currently own a 2016 Scorpio Classic. I am planning to buy a new 7-seater in the 30-40 lakh range for the same usage, along with off-roading as well. Please advise.

Autocar India

•5d

Weekly city runs with 500 km-plus weekend drives and occasional off-roading in the mix, the Mahindra Scorpio N Z8 4X4 fits this usage well. It keeps the tough, go‑anywhere feel you’re used to from your Classic Scorpio, but it is much more comfortable and safer now. The 4X4 with a low gear and terrain modes lets you tackle slush, rocks and steep trails with confidence, while the strong build and good ground clearance suits rough roads. On long highways, it cruises calmly and feels steadier than your old car, and in the city, the steering is lighter, so it’s easier to thread through traffic.Know that the third row is tight, and with all seats up, the boot is small, so luggage needs a roof carrier or folding the last row. Also, at low speeds on broken roads, you still feel some movement. If you want a softer, quieter cabin and a more refined experience, look at the Jeep Meridian 4x4. While it may not be as rugged as the Mahindra Scorpio N, off-road ability is good, and its ride and stability are appreciably better.

Jeep Meridian

Mahindra Scorpio N

Shreesh

•1w

Hello Autocar India. I am planning to purchase a car under Rs 40 lakh. Right now, I own a Creta diesel manual Knight Edition. I’m considering entering the full-size SUV segment, but there are no major options under Rs 40 lakh. I want a proper SUV with 7 seats, plush interiors that feel worth the money, strong brand value and genuine toughness. I considered the Fortuner, but the on-road price in Chennai is around Rs 44 lakh, and I do not want to go beyond Rs 40 lakh. I want something that is tough, something that could go anywhere it wanted to. I also looked at the Hilux, but it feels too long for Chennai roads. Right now, I have shortlisted the Jeep Meridian Longitude Plus manual. It seems to hit the sweet spot, but I am worried about reliability and resale value. What should I do? Are there any other options? I am open to other segments too, as long as it feels like a proper upgrade from my current car.

Autocar India

•6d

You are right that there are very few genuine options in this price band if you want a proper full-size SUV experience, which is why the Jeep Meridian ends up making a lot of sense within your stated budget. The Longitude Plus manual offers a premium enough cabin, strong road presence and a far more sophisticated driving experience than most ladder frame SUVs. But there are a few things to keep in mind. Jeep ownership will mean higher service costs as compared to the Hyundai Creta that you own, resale will not be as strong as Toyota, and while the Meridian is capable on rough roads, it is still a monocoque SUV rather than a true, rugged body-on-frame machine.Which is why, for your exact brief, the Toyota Fortuner is still the best answer. That extra stretch over budget hurts today, but it pays you back over time with excellent resale, stronger service support, lower ownership anxiety and genuine go-anywhere toughness. Coming from a Creta, it will feel like the full-blown SUV upgrade you are actually looking for.If you are open to waiting, the Jetour T2 is worth keeping an eye on as well. It is expected to come in as a plug-in hybrid with potentially AWD, rugged styling and a more premium positioning, which could make it an interesting alternative in this space. The catch, of course, is that it is an all new brand for India, so ownership confidence, service support and resale remain complete unknowns.

Rishab

I am looking for a car under 40L(on-road price) and my use is 75% highway drives and 25% city. The car should have a great ride quality and comfort for 12 hr+ journeys. I dont need a 7-seater but 3rd folded works fine. I have done test drives of Jeep Meridian(thorough test drive) and 7xo(test drive not on highway) and both are strong contenders in my list. Looking for advice to pick one of these or any other option to consider ( no Innova Hycross for me).

Autocar India

•3w

With your 75% highway driving and long 12+ hour journeys, you need a car that is comfortable, stable and easy to live with over long distances. The Mahindra XUV 7XO delivers this very well. It has a well-balanced ride that absorbs bad roads without feeling soft, strong performance for effortless cruising and overtakes, and a spacious cabin that keeps occupants comfortable over long hours. It also feels more modern overall, with a richer feature set and widely available ADAS, which adds real value for highway driving.The Jeep Meridian is a strong alternative, but for a different reason. Its biggest strength is the premium feel and solid build, especially inside the cabin. It feels more upmarket and has that typical Jeep character of solidity and composure.However, when you look at the overall package, the XUV 7XO matches or exceeds the Meridian in ride comfort, space, performance and features, while also offering better value and a more up-to-date experience.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Jeep Meridian

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